The U.S. Supreme Court has officially ruled in favor of President Joe Biden (D) in his administration’s lawsuit against Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) for his use of razor wire at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The court’s ruling will now allow Border Patrol agents to resume cutting the razor wire. Many critics of Gov. Abbott’s tactics argued that they were too harsh and inhumane. Eagle Pass, TX, has been a major focus for Texas lawmakers as several migrants have faced increased danger as they attempt to cross over the U.S. border from Mexico.
The court’s decision consisted of two conservative judges, Justices Amy Coney Barrett and John Roberts, as well as the three liberal judges.
Several Texas lawmakers have responded to the recent ruling on the razor wire.
“.@GovAbbott thought he could get away with forcing asylum seekers to crawl through dangerous razor-wire on the border. The Biden Admin fought back, sued, & won at #SCOTUS. The razor-wire must finally come down, and it’s up to us to build a humane and workable immigration system,” said Texas Representative Greg Casar (D).
.@GovAbbott thought he could get away with forcing asylum seekers to crawl through dangerous razor-wire on the border.
The Biden Admin fought back, sued, & won at #SCOTUS. The razor-wire must finally come down, and it’s up to us to build a humane and workable immigration system. https://t.co/SceJd85iHV
— Congressman Greg Casar (@RepCasar) January 22, 2024
Texas Representative Sylvia Garcia (D) celebrated the ruling as well.
“I’m proud of the Supreme Court’s ruling that protects the safety of migrants and asylum seekers from @GovAbbott’s Operation Lone Star. Last year, I urged action from @TheJusticeDept because too many were dying at the border. I am hopeful that this is the first step of change,” said Rep. Garcia.
I’m proud of the Supreme Court’s ruling that protects the safety of migrants and asylum seekers from @GovAbbott’s Operation Lone Star.
Last year, I urged action from @TheJusticeDept because too many were dying at the border. I am hopeful that this is the first step of change. https://t.co/rKtoQ9wsbD
— Rep. Sylvia Garcia (@RepSylviaGarcia) January 22, 2024
Abbott stated his plans to commit to fighting against the ruling and keep using the razor wire.
“This is not over. Texas' razor wire is an effective deterrent to the illegal crossings Biden encourages. I will continue to defend Texas' constitutional authority to secure the border and prevent the Biden Admin from destroying our property,” said Abbott.
This is not over.
Texas' razor wire is an effective deterrent to the illegal crossings Biden encourages.
I will continue to defend Texas' constitutional authority to secure the border and prevent the Biden Admin from destroying our property.https://t.co/pV7Cuq57d1
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) January 22, 2024
Abbott recently faced heavy scrutiny after three migrants died after drowning in the river near Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, TX. Allegedly, the Texas Military Department refused to let Border Patrol agents reach the migrants across the border as they drowned.
“Border Patrol attempted to contact the Texas Military Department, the Texas National Guard, and DPS Command Post by telephone to relay the information, but were unsuccessful. Border Patrol agents then made physical contact with the Texas Military Department and the Texas National Guard at the Shelby Park Entrance Gate and verbally relayed the information,” said Texas Representative Henry Cuellar (D).
“However, Texas Military Department soldiers stated they would not grant access to the migrants - even in the event of an emergency - and that they would send a soldier to investigate the situation. Earlier today, Saturday, January 13, 2024, the three migrant bodies were recovered by Mexican authorities.”
“This is a tragedy, and the State bears responsibility,” stated Rep. Cuellar regarding the migrants' death.
